Modelo Recognizes Olga Custodio, America's First Latina Military Pilot

If you've been watching the World Cup, you've been seeing this Modelo Beer commercial featuring retired USAF Lt. Col. Olga Custodio, the first female Latina to complete U.S. Air Force military pilot training. 

Born in Puerto Rico in 1953, Custodio was raised a military kid. Her father was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and the family was stationed at military bases around the world. She yearned to be a pilot but it wasn't until 1980 that she was accepted at United States Air Force Officer Training School.

She completed her training and served as a flight instructor until 2003. In addition to the commercial, Modelo posted this short interview on YouTube.

The spots are part of a series in which Modelo celebrates Latino contributions to the United States. Considering the central role that that fútbol plays in Latin American culture, the World Cup is a great platform to honor a groundbreaking American like Custodio.

Of course, Modelo made a Spanish-language version of the spot as well.